By Mulengera Reporters
A deepening rift has emerged at St. Francis Chapel at Makerere University after a group of congregants submitted a detailed petition to the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda and the Bishop of Kampala Diocese Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, alleging widespread governance failures, spiritual disorder and a breakdown of trust under current chapel leadership.
Dated February 22, 2026, the petition—signed by members who say they represent a majority within the chapel—paints a picture of a once-thriving university ministry now grappling with internal turmoil, declining attendance, and what they describe as “corrosive leadership and ministry patterns.” While the petition opens with expressions of gratitude for the wider church leadership, its contents quickly shift to a sweeping indictment of the chapel’s current administration.
At the heart of the concerns are allegations against the chaplain, Rev. Dr. Lydia Kitayimbwa, who congregants accuse of centralizing authority, sidelining staff, and introducing abrupt changes that have disrupted both Anglican tradition and internal structures. The petition claims that several staff members—including key ministry leaders and support personnel—were either dismissed or forced to resign under unclear circumstances. It further alleges that some roles have been filled irregularly, bypassing established procedures and raising concerns about accountability and transparency.
The document also highlights what members describe as a breakdown in church culture. Traditions such as formally welcoming new clergy or giving departing ministers an opportunity to bid farewell have reportedly been abandoned in some cases, fueling perceptions of favoritism and internal divisions. Congregants argue that even gestures of appreciation toward church workers have become inconsistent and selective, eroding morale among volunteers and staff.
Governance concerns extend into operational practices. One incident cited involves a student allegedly being allowed to temporarily assume the role of chapel secretary, a move petitioners say violated internal policies and exposed sensitive information to unauthorized access. The group warns that such actions could breach national laws on data protection and confidentiality, potentially exposing the institution to legal risk.
Beyond administration, the petition raises concerns about the spiritual direction of the chapel. Members accuse leadership of altering sermons preached by other ministers, creating confusion and discouragement within the clergy team. There are also complaints about the handling of sacraments, including reports of individuals being pressured to receive Holy Communion and instances where the sacrament was administered in ways considered alien and irreverent.
The worship experience itself is described as increasingly disjointed. Petitioners point to what they call “liturgical distortion,” alleging that traditional Anglican practices have been replaced with styles they associate with Pentecostal expression. This shift, they argue, has blurred the chapel’s identity and created tension among congregants who value its Anglican roots.
Concerns about leadership style are a recurring theme throughout the document. The chaplain is accused of fostering an “inner circle” that wields disproportionate influence, while other members feel excluded or monitored. Petitioners describe an atmosphere of fear and mistrust, claiming that feedback channels have been effectively shut down and dissenting voices silenced, particularly on official communication platforms.
The petition also links these issues to a noticeable decline in attendance and engagement. Where services once drew large, enthusiastic crowds, members now report dwindling numbers and reduced participation in ministry activities. An over packed weekly schedule—featuring daily programs ranging from online intercession to multiple Sunday services—is cited as contributing to burnout among students and volunteers, undermining the depth of spiritual growth.
Further controversy surrounds the chapel’s relationship with external ministries. Petitioners allege an “unhealthy obsession” with adopting practices from Pentecostal churches, raising concerns about doctrinal drift. They also question the increasing involvement of external worship teams and speakers, particularly when local ministers are available and willing to serve.
In one of the most serious claims, the petition references a reported meeting in which youth leaders were allegedly encouraged to protest decisions made by the chapel council. Petitioners argue that such actions, if true, could incite division and undermine the authority structures of the church.
While some allegations—such as rumors of witchcraft—are acknowledged within the document as unsubstantiated, their inclusion underscores the level of mistrust currently circulating within the congregation.
The petition concludes with a series of requests directed to church authorities, including calls for an investigation, restoration of Anglican doctrine and order, greater transparency in recruitment, and a rebalancing of ministry activities to prioritize spiritual depth over quantity. Members also seek a direct audience with church leadership to present further evidence and discuss possible interventions.
As of now, there has been no official response from the chapel leadership or the diocesan authorities regarding the petition. However, the breadth and severity of the claims suggest that the situation at St. Francis Chapel could become a defining test of governance and accountability within one of Uganda’s most prominent university ministries.
For many congregants, the hope is not confrontation but restoration. Yet the path forward may depend on whether church authorities choose to intervene—and how they navigate a dispute that has already shaken the foundation of a once-unified community. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
